Boron Tolerance in Wheat Varieties

Abstract

Boron (B) toxicity is important in many soils, especially in the dry regions of the world. Development of tolerant varieties is a high priority in these regions. This study aimed to assess the B tolerance in wheat at the seedling stage. Eight wheat varieties some of them with tolerance to salinity and boron, were evaluated and compared in greenhouse with and without boron in solution culture. Effects of different concentrations of boron [control (2.5mM), 50, 100, 150 and 200 mM] on plant growth viz. root and shoot length, number of roots, dry weight of root and shoot and endosperm weight were monitored. The main criterion selected for boron tolerance was root length. Root growth suppression in KRL 99, Kharchia 65 and BT-Schomburgk varieties was less and these varieties may be considered as boron tolerant. HD 2009, KRL 240 and Schomburgk were marked as boron intolerant owing to higher reduction in roots under boron treatments. KRL 238 and KRL 3-4 varieties were moderately tolerant to excess boron. The impacts of findings are discussed in relation to opportunities for wheat improvement for soils and irrigation water that contain toxic concentrations of Boron.